Folding carrier.



J. H. MGALLISTBR- FOLDING CARRIER. APPLICATION IILBD SEPT. 30, 1911.

Patented May 28 J. H. MOALLISTER.

FOLDING CARRIER.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 30, 1911.

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TTNTT STATES PATENT JAMES H. MGALLIS'TER, OF ONEILL, NEBRASKA.

s FOLDING CARRIER.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, J AMES H. h IoALLIsTnR, a citizen of the United States, residing at ONeill, in the county of Holt and State of Nebraska, have invented new and useful Improvements in Folding Carriers, of which the-following is a specification.

This invention relates to certain novel improvements in carrying cases.

In carrying out my invention it is my purpose to provide a case which may be constructed of slats, perforated material or solid material, the same being so constructed and arranged as to be readily folded or collapsed into a small package so that the case or box may be stored so that the same will occupy only a minimum amount of space when the case is not in use, or when the case is returned to the original setting.

I also aim to provide a case of this character which is thoroughly adapted for carrying eggs, fruits, vegetables or the like, with front and rear members having directly oppositely arranged grooves, for the reception of a removable partition whereby the case may be divided into compartments if desired.

With the above recited objects, and others of a similar nature in view, the invention resides in the novel construction, combination and arrangement of parts set forth in and falling within the scope of the appended claim.

In the drawings,-Figure 1 is a perspec tive view of a case constructed in accordance with the present invention, and showing the same in its set up position. Fig. 2 is a central longitudinal sectional view of the same. Fig. 3 is a transverse sectional view of the case. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the device in its knock down position. Fig. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the same. Fig. 6 is a detail sectional view of a slightly modified form.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, the numeral 1 designates the improved carrying case. The case contemplates the employment of a base 2, ends 3, sides at and 5, and a top or cover 6. The ends 3 are connected with the base through the medium of strap hinges 7, the said hinges being so arranged that the ends may be readily folded upon the base when the case is collapsed. The ends 3 are of a height approximately equaling one half of the length of the base 2,

Specification of Letters l atent.

Application filed September 30, 1911.

Patented May 28,1912.

Serial No. 52,042.

so that the said ends will occupy the entire surface of the box when folded thereon. The ends 3 are further provided with depressed portions 3 within which are arranged pivoted handles or bails 3, whereby the case may be readily carried when desired and whereby the bails or handles resting within the recesses will not interfere with the collapsing of the box.

One of the longitudinal edges of the base 2 is provided with a strip 8, the said strip being secured thereto in any desired manner, and the said strip is of a thickness substantially corresponding with the thickness of the ends 3. The strip 8 has its upper face provided with hinges 9, the said hinges being also connected with the outer face of the side 4, so that the said side may be swung upon the ends 3, when the said ends are swung or folded up on the base 2. The oppositely arranged edge of the base 2 is also provided with hinges 10, and these hinges are connected with a substantially rectangular strip 11, the hinges being so arranged that the said strip may be swung beneath the base 2 when the case is collapsed. The edge of the strip which is substantially horizontal with the base 2 when the device is in its upper position, is also provided with hinges 12, and these hinges are formed with off-set butts which are connected to the lower longitudinal portion of the side 5. The off-set portion of the hinge .permits of the said side 5 being swung beneath the strip 11 and base, as illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5 of the drawings. The upper horizontal edge of the side 5 is provided with hinges 13, the said hinges being also secured to the top of the closure 6. The closure 6 is formed upon three of its sides with a flange 14, and the said flange is adapted to tightly engage with the side 4: as well as with the ends 3 to prevent the accidental movement of the said sides or ends when the closure is folded upon the same.

Suitable securing elements such as hooks 15 and eyes 16 are employed to retain the sides and ends of the case in a set up position, and the flange of the top of the closure is preferably provided with a hasp 17 which engages with the staple 18 provided upon the front 4. The staple is adapted to receive a suitable lock 19, whereby the case is sustained in a locked position. The top 6 is also provided with a handle 20, the same forming means whereby the case may be readily grasped by the owner and conveyed from place to place, the bails or handles 3* being devised for use when the case is made of a large size or is exceedingly weighted.

In, Fig. 5 of the drawings I have illustrated a device wherein the strip 11 is dispensed with. In this instance, the base is provided with hinges 21, the said hinges having one of their straps projecting beyond the longitudinal edge of the base and connected with one of the sides 5. The space provided by the hinge between the lower edge of the side 5 and the point of connection of the hinge 21 with the under face of the base is equal to the thickness of the said base, so that the side when swung upon its hinges will lie snugly against either the upper or the lower face of the base.

All of the hinges, above described, are of that class commonly known as strap hinges as from experience I find that the same are more effective than butts or other classes of hinges. The ends 4 and 5 are each approximately centrally provided with grooves or recesses 21, whereby a partition, not shown, may be inserted between the said sides and the box, thus formed with two compartments.

From the above description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, the simplicity of the device, as well as the method of collapsing the same will, it is thought, be perfectly apparent to those skilled in the art to which such inventions appertain, without further detailed description.

Having thus described the inevention, what I claim is The herein described structure of folding carriers comprising a flattened rectangular base, a strip flush with and extending the entire length of the base and projecting above the same and secured to one of the longitudinal edges of the base, a side member hingedly connected with the strip, the opposite longitudinal edge of the base being also provided with a strip which is hinged thereto and which lies flush with the upper face of the base, a side member hingedly connected with this strip, end members secured to the base and adapted to lie between the side members and flush with the vertical edges thereof, when the carrier is in. its set-up position, hooks and eyes upon the sides and ends for sustaining the said sides and ends in their set-up position, a top hingedly connected with the side provided upon the strip which is arranged flush with the base, the longitudinal edge of the said top at its hinged connection with the said side being arranged flush with the inner face of the side and the said top being provided with a continuous flange which is adapted to engage with the opposite side and with the ends of the carrier, all substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

JAMES H. McALLISTER.

Witnesses J. J. MCCAFFERTY, JOHN CARTON.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, I). G. 

